Outdoor recreation generates $13.4 billion in value for Virginia; nearly $1 billion in Albemarle and Charlottesville
Charlottesville, VA. (Feb. 24, 2026) – The Piedmont Mobility Alliance will convene the sixth annual Active Mobility Summit on March 5 and 6 to focus on the economic and social benefits of public access to the great outdoors. The Summit, free and open to all, will bring together Charlottesville and Albemarle County residents, organizations and leaders who desire better places to walk, bike and run.
Expanding public access to parks and green spaces brings immense value to our communities. Outdoor recreation not only generates $13.4 billion for Virginia’s economy, but it ties directly to the goals of both Albemarle County’s and Charlottesville’s Comprehensive Plans, improving livability and strengthening local communities.
Poet MaKshya Tolbert will open the Summit with an invocation and Roanoke Outside Director Pete Eschelman will deliver a keynote about Roanoke’s focus on outdoor access and showcase the Roanoke Greenway System, a network of over 400 miles of paved and natural surface trails linking the City of Roanoke, Roanoke County, Salem, Vinton and Botetourt County. He will show how this system that connects neighborhoods, parks and local businesses contributed to the region’s economic development strategy.
The Summit will reconvene on Friday morning with a panel of statewide trail leaders (Eschelman; Kyle Lawrence, Shenandoah Bicycle Federation; Frank Maguire, Small Mountain Trails). Local officials (James Frease, Charlottesville; Julia Montieth, University of Virginia; Zach Roberts, Great Outdoors Provisions Company; Ann Wall, Albemarle County) will offer perspectives on how the local community can leverage opportunities for better connectivity and access to fresh air. There will be collaborative workshops and a special secret guest.
The Piedmont Mobility Alliance is a coalition led by its founding member, The Piedmont Environmental Council, that includes more than 40 organizations, businesses and agencies and shares a vision of a better-connected community for walking, biking and other forms of active transportation in Charlottesville and Albemarle County.
“The Summit is about tackling frustrating problems in new ways,” said PEC Community Advocacy Manager Peter Krebs. “We accomplished a lot together in 2025: bridges, trails, projects and events that had a noticeable positive impact. We’ll celebrate those – and their local champions. I’m especially excited to witness so many people and groups devise ways to work together for a better connected and more prosperous community for all.”
The Summit will include snacks and drinks (cash bar in the evening and light breakfast in the morning), plus opportunities for networking and fellowship.
Where: The Wool Factory (1837 Broadway Street, Charlottesville)
When: Thursday, March 5 (5:30-9 p.m.) + Friday, March 6 (9-12 p.m.)
Attend: Please register for the Active Mobility Summit at pecva.org/mobilitysummit.
Media Contact: Elizabeth Ransom, Media & PR Specialist, [email protected] | 202-230-9383
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The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) works to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Founded in 1972, PEC is a locally based, community-supported 501(c)3 nonprofit and accredited land trust. At the core of PEC’s approach is a focus on educating, engaging and empowering people to effect positive change in their communities.
PEC established the Piedmont Mobility Alliance in 2020. The coalition of more than 40 organizations, businesses and agencies shares a vision of a better-connected community for walking, biking and other forms of active transportation in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. The alliance has spawned numerous workgroups that meet regularly to tackle complex problems, while the full alliance gathers bi-monthly to share information, collaborate and act collectively. Its end-of-winter colloquium (the Active Mobility Summit) is their largest.